Vice Principal Secondary - Jan April 2027

GEMS Education; Dubai; On-site; Confidential; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Professional development

Career progression

International network

Job summary

GEMS International School – Dubai Hills is seeking an experienced Vice Principal – Secondary to provide strategic and operational leadership for the Middle School and High School within an IB framework (MYP, DP, CP).

The Senior Leader will drive teaching quality, student outcomes, and a positive school culture, reporting to the Senior Vice Principal – Teaching & Learning. Start date January/April 2027, with flexibility for timing.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Education and a recognised teaching qualification.
• Master's degree or leadership qualification is desirable.
• Significant senior leadership experience in secondary education.
• Experience in IB environments, including MYP and at least DP or CP.
• Proven track record in developing staff and improving student outcomes.
• Experience with pastoral leadership, student wellbeing, and parent engagement.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic and operational leadership across Middle School and High School.
• Drive school improvement priorities through planning, data analysis, and evaluation.
• Oversee delivery of MYP, DP, and CP with coherent curriculum and strong assessment.
• Lead and develop Secondary leadership teams and promote collaboration.
• Foster inclusive, high-expectation culture for behaviour, wellbeing, and academics.
• Strengthen partnerships with parents and the school community.

Skills

Senior leadership

IB experience (MYP/DP/CP)

Curriculum development

Staff development

Education

Bachelor's degree in Education

PGCE / BEd / teaching qualification

Master's degree in leadership (desirable)

Job description

Job Description

About GEMS International School – Dubai Hills

GEMS International School – Dubai Hills (GIS) is a vibrant, inclusive IB World School offering a high-quality international education from Early Years through to Grade 12. As part of GEMS Education, one of the world's leading private education providers, GIS is committed to academic excellence, innovation, and developing confident, compassionate, internationally minded learners.

Our school delivers the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum, including the Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP), Diploma Programme (DP), and Career-related Programme (CP), providing students with a well-rounded education that prepares them for success beyond the classroom.

The Opportunity

We are seeking an experienced and inspirational Vice Principal – Secondary to provide strategic and operational leadership across our Middle School and High School.

As a key member of the Extended Executive Leadership Team, you will play a pivotal role in driving academic excellence, strengthening teaching and learning, and fostering a positive, inclusive school culture across the MYP, DP, and CP programmes.

Reporting to the Senior Vice Principal – Teaching & Learning, you will lead and support Secondary leadership teams, ensuring that whole-school priorities translate into meaningful improvements in student outcomes, staff development, and the wider student experience.

This is an exciting opportunity for an ambitious and accomplished educational leader to make a significant impact within a dynamic and forward-thinking IB school.

Start Date: January/April 2027, however, start date can be discussed to suit the successful candidate.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide strategic and operational leadership across Middle School and High School, ensuring consistently high standards of teaching, learning, and student achievement.


• Drive Secondary school improvement priorities through effective planning, quality assurance, data analysis, and evaluation of impact.


• Oversee the effective delivery of the MYP, DP, and CP programmes, ensuring curriculum coherence, high-quality assessment, and ambitious student outcomes.


• Lead, develop, and support Secondary leadership teams, including the Assistant Principals for Middle School and High School, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement.


• Promote a positive, inclusive, and student-centred culture, maintaining high expectations for behaviour, attendance, wellbeing, and pastoral care.


• Strengthen partnerships with parents and the wider school community, supporting effective communication, student transitions, admissions, and retention.


• Ensure the smooth day-to-day operation of the Secondary School, maintaining compliance with GEMS, KHDA, IB, and relevant accreditation requirements.


• Contribute to whole-school strategic planning, inspection readiness, staff development, and wider school initiatives as a member of the leadership team.

The Ideal Candidate Will Have

• A Bachelor's degree and recognised teaching qualification (PGCE, BEd, or equivalent). A relevant Master's degree or leadership qualification is desirable.


• Proven senior leadership experience within Secondary education, with a strong track record of improving teaching, learning, and student outcomes.


• Significant experience within an IB environment, ideally including the MYP and either DP or CP.


• Demonstrated success in leading, developing, and inspiring senior and middle leaders, with a clear focus on professional growth and accountability.


• Strong knowledge of curriculum development, assessment, school improvement, and quality assurance.


• Experience of pastoral leadership, student wellbeing, parent engagement, and school operations, ideally within an international school setting.


• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and organisational skills, with a collaborative leadership style and a commitment to inclusion, innovation, and academic excellence.

Why Join GEMS Education?

At GEMS Education, you will become part of a global network of educators committed to shaping the future of education. We offer a supportive and collaborative environment where school leaders are empowered to innovate, inspire, and make a lasting difference.

You will benefit from opportunities for professional development, career progression, and collaboration across our extensive network of international schools, alongside a competitive employment package.

GEMS Safeguarding

GEMS Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. We are dedicated to creating safe, supportive, and inclusive learning environments where students can thrive, and we expect all employees, volunteers, and partners to share this commitment.

As part of our safer recruitment practices, all successful applicants will be subject to comprehensive pre-employment checks, including verification of identity, qualifications, employment history, professional references, and criminal record checks from all countries of residence and employment, in line with local and international safeguarding requirements. These checks may include enhanced disclosure, prohibition, barring, and overseas police clearance checks where applicable. We are committed to recruiting individuals who uphold the highest standards of professional conduct and child protection.